The jury was told Dr Austin tested a humerus bone found at the search site which was a 100 per cent match to Daniel's mother Denise, as well as his brothers, Bradley and Dean Morcombe.

Forensic pathologist Peter Ellis, who was also at the search site, has described the 17 bone fragments to the court.

He said some looked like they had scratch marks from animal teeth or excavating equipment.

The jury was shown exhibits of the human bones found.

Dr Ellis said they came from "a child in early teens".

More than 150 witnesses may be called during the trial, including the driver of the bus that police say Daniel had been trying to catch on the day he vanished, as well as SES personnel and other drivers.

Yesterday, the court heard Daniel was seen by several motorists along Nambour Connection Road at Woombye on the afternoon he went missing.

Justice Roslyn Atkinson told the jury although there was a substantial number of witnesses to appear, not all of them are expected to be questioned at length.